Degradation analysis of the core components of metal plate proton exchange membrane fuel cell stack under dynamic load cycles

The durability of metal plate proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack is still an important factor that hinders its large-scale commercial application. In this paper, we have conducted a 1000 h durability test on a 1 kW metal plate PEMFC stack, and explored the degradation of the core components. After 1000 h of dynamic load cycles, the voltage decay percentage of the stack under the current densities of 1000 mA cm-2 is 5.67%. By analyzing the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images, the surfaces of the metal plates are contaminated locally by organic matter precipitated from the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). The SEM images of the catalyst coated membrane (CCM) cross section indicate that the MEA has undergone severe degradation, including the agglomeration of the catalyst layer, and the thinning and perforation of the PEM. These are the main factors that cause the rapid increase in hydrogen crossover flow rate and performance decay of the PEMFC stack. (c) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The durability of metal plate proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack is a crucial factor influencing its widespread commercial application. In this study, a 1000 h durability test was conducted on a 1 kW metal plate PEMFC stack to investigate the degradation of its core components. The results revealed that the stack exhibited a voltage decay percentage of 5.67% after 1000 h of dynamic load cycles at a current density of 1000 mA cm-2. SEM analysis showed contamination on the surfaces of the metal plates due to organic matter precipitation from the membrane electrode assembly (MEA). Additionally, severe degradation in the MEA, including catalyst layer agglomeration, thinning, and perforation of the proton exchange membrane (PEM), were identified as the main factors contributing to the increased hydrogen crossover flow rate and performance decay of the PEMFC stack.